As winter is just around the corner, people are dreading the weight gain they’re going to be soon facing. Now winter is not only a season for holidays and snow but it is also a season where one starts to gain a lot of extra weight. Whether it is due to all of the holiday food they eat or because of the fact that they’re unable to head out to the gym during winters, one can’t be quite sure. But the fact is that people do end up gaining weight. All those hot chocolate drinks might feel comforting during cold nights but they will add extra weight to your body.

Also, according to different surveys, people are likely to gain about 5 to 7 pounds during their winter break. However, though this might sound surprising, this weight gain isn’t only because of all that greasy and calorie-filled food you are likely to consume during the holiday feasts. In fact, the extra weight gain could be because of seasonal affective disorder! 

Seasonal affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder is a condition which a small percentage of people are likely to develop during the winter season. People often suffer from clinical depression during winters and this causes them to overeat. However, there are ways of preventing yourself from gaining some pounds over the winter breaks.

How to prevent gaining weight in the winter?

• Exercise

The first thing that you must do is make sure that you exercise; regular workouts will help in preventing weight gain. Don’t be a lazy bum. Instead leave your home and head out to the gym. A few hours of working out will not only keep you warm but will also keep the weight off. 

Winter is the time when people forget about calories and instead they just eat whatever they want. Now, if you are overeating, at least try to make sure that you’re not damaging your fitness completely. On some particular days make it your goal to work out more, and do away with some of those calories. Try to exercise as much as you can during this time of the year. Can’t go out for a walk out in the cold? No problem! Use your office stairs instead of the elevator. You can also run up and down the stairs in your home to burn calories.

You can also burn calories by shoveling snow away from your back or front yard. Even having a fun snowball fight can help you burn calories and stay active during the winter break.

• Attending Parties 

Winter break is basically the time when everyone you know throws a party. It is also the time to catch up with friends you might not get to see so often due to busy work schedules. Here is a little tip for you, before you head out to any party do make sure that you’ve eaten something. Take a light snack before heading out. You can grab an apple, or a big salad of fruits or veggies. This way you’ll be able to curb your brownie and apple pie desires. 

Remember, when eating outside your home, you are more likely to consume at least 40% more calories the one would otherwise. If you’ve already eaten something you won’t feel too hungry. Eating a healthy snack to keep feeling full is far better than stuffing plates upon plates of high-calorie party food. If you’re the one who is hosting the party then add in some healthy options like salads and fruit juice in the menu. 

Plus, when at a party try to socialize with people instead of heading over to the dining table. 

So, during the winter season, the only way to beat gaining weight in the winter is by eating healthy, exercising, and staying active.